Commercial transport operations across Ghana face a possible nationwide shutdown on Wednesday, November 4, after five transport associations declared plans to withdraw their services in protest against the continued trading activities at designated bus terminals and pedestrian walkways.
The transport organisations, spearheaded by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), say the impending industrial action has become necessary following what they describe as the government’s failure to ensure compliance with regulations governing commercial activities at designated transport stations.
The unions are calling for the effective implementation of Regulation 142 of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2519, insisting that the persistent occupation of bus stops by traders is obstructing the smooth movement and operation of commercial vehicles.
They have further expressed dissatisfaction with what they consider unequal enforcement of traffic regulations, particularly under the government’s TraffiTech-GH digital traffic monitoring system. According to the transport groups, commercial drivers are being subjected to penalties for traffic infractions while illegal trading activities at bus terminals and pedestrian walkways are allegedly being allowed to continue without corresponding enforcement measures.
As part of the planned protest, commercial vehicle operators have been instructed to withdraw their vehicles from the roads on Wednesday, November 4, and remain off duty until further notice.
The associations maintain that the decision follows several unsuccessful engagements and attempts to persuade the appropriate authorities to resolve the concerns they have repeatedly raised.
They have consequently appealed to commuters and the wider public to appreciate the circumstances surrounding the planned action, while expressing regret over the inconvenience that the suspension of commercial transport services could occasion.
The industrial action is being coordinated by five transport organisations, namely the GPRTU of TUC, Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, True Drivers Union, Ghana Committed Drivers Association and Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana.
A nationwide withdrawal of commercial transport services could leave thousands of passengers struggling to secure alternative means of transportation, particularly workers, students, traders and other residents who rely heavily on privately operated buses and minibuses for their daily movements.
Commuters have therefore been advised to make alternative transportation arrangements ahead of Wednesday’s proposed shutdown to minimise disruptions to their daily activities.
